County of Santa Clara
Attorney IV – Child and Family Protection – County Counsel
County of Santa Clara, San Jose, California, United States, 95199
Description
Under direction, performs professional legal work in the Office of the County Counsel to represent and advise the Board of Supervisors, County officers and departments and certain other public entities on legal issues; represents County agencies in a variety of civil matters; and assists in drafting and/or negotiating contracts, leases, ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents. The County of Santa Clara Office of the County Counsel is recruiting a passionate and dedicated attorney to join our Child and Family Protection Team. This attorney will provide legal advice and in‑court representation to the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS), a division of the Social Services Agency, in juvenile dependency matters. The Child and Family Protection Team plays a vital role in protecting the welfare of children in Santa Clara County. Team members appear regularly in juvenile court to handle uncontested hearings, bench trials, and appellate litigation. In addition to courtroom responsibilities, the attorney will counsel DFCS on a broad range of child welfare issues, including emergency response and dependency investigations, compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act, Child Abuse Central Index grievance procedures, and questions of juvenile case record confidentiality. This team also involves advising DFCS staff on legal issues related to paternity, court report writing, and educational rights, and includes providing ongoing training to ensure legal compliance and best practices in service delivery. The ideal candidate will have courtroom experience and a strong background in juvenile dependency law, litigation, and appellate matters. Experience advising child welfare agencies, conducting investigations, or handling administrative grievance hearings is highly desirable. Typical Tasks
Represents and advises one or more County department(s), board(s), committee(s), or County officer(s) and employees on legal issues regarding their powers, functions, jurisdiction, procedures, obligations and operations; Performs legal research on a variety of legal issues pertaining to the interests of the County; Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in preparing contracts, pleadings, ordinances, resolutions, memoranda and opinions; Attends meetings of boards, commissions or other committees to give legal advice; Litigates in both Federal and State Courts; Assists departments and other contacts in preparing documents, such as labor contracts and agreements; May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required; Performs other related duties as required. Employment Standards
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge and abilities consistent with the highest standard of the legal profession and with the level of difficulty and expertise required for the intended appointment. Membership in the California State Bar is required prior to appointment. Active membership in good standing of the California State Bar must be maintained throughout employment. AND Five (5) years of full‑time practice experience as an attorney, judicial law clerk, or legal advisor. Knowledge of
Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, codes and regulations applicable to the assigned responsibility; Trial and hearing practices, procedures and rules of evidence; Legal research methods, practices and techniques; General office practices and procedures, such as record keeping practices. Ability to
Perform legal research; Analyze and apply legal principles and facts to legal issues; Analyze situations accurately and recommend an effective course of action; Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions on legal cases and in dealing with people; Monitor current and proposed legislation relating to assigned responsibility; Write comments or arguments appropriately within a political and sensitive environment; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues in the performance of required duties. Benefits
The County offers comprehensive first‑class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co‑pays, no co‑insurance, and no prescription drug co‑pays. Learn more. The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Retirement Benefits The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector’s 401(k) plan) and the . In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family’s long‑term financial well‑being. Health Flexible Spending Account The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax‑free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax‑free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA. Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) The enables employees to utilize tax‑free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost‑effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer‑funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000. Life and AD&D The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, . These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The County prioritizes employee mental health and well‑being and offers a top‑tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support. Employee Wellness The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all‑in‑one platform designed to elevate your well‑being journey. Education Reimbursement A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development. NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts. 01 Application Questions
01 Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question? Yes No 02 Are you a member of the California State Bar? Yes No 03 If yes, please list your California Bar number and the date of your admission to the California State Bar. 04 Are you a member of the Bar in any other jurisdiction in the United States? Yes No 05 If yes, please provide the name of the entity, your Bar or other identifying number, date of admission, and current status. 06 Have you ever been the subject of an administrative, disciplinary or any action by the California State Bar or other bar jurisdiction in the United States? 07 If yes, please provide details including the nature of the action, date(s), and result(s) of any finding(s) and any sanction(s). 08 Please detail your interest in both public service and juvenile dependency law with an emphasis towards demonstrating your commitment to each of these areas. 09 Do you have any training and experience in juvenile dependency law? 10 Describe your training and experience in juvenile dependency law, including a specific example of your proficiency in this area of the law. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer: a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed 11 Do you have any juvenile court experience including trials, mediations, or other litigation matters? Yes No 12 Describe a specific example of your child dependency litigation experience. Juvenile court experience including trials, mediations, or other litigation matters Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer: a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed 13 Do you have any juvenile court experience writing points and authorities, appellate briefs, or other documents concerning juvenile dependency matters? Yes No 14 Describe your experience writing points and authorities, appellate briefs, or other documents concerning juvenile dependency matters. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer: a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed 15 Please attach a resume listing your educational and professional background, including law school attended, any clerkships or fellowships, and prior legal experience. I understand I need to attach a resume. Yes No 16 I certify that I have attached a writing sample for which I was the primary author, as an example of my writing skills. Government Jobs
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Under direction, performs professional legal work in the Office of the County Counsel to represent and advise the Board of Supervisors, County officers and departments and certain other public entities on legal issues; represents County agencies in a variety of civil matters; and assists in drafting and/or negotiating contracts, leases, ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents. The County of Santa Clara Office of the County Counsel is recruiting a passionate and dedicated attorney to join our Child and Family Protection Team. This attorney will provide legal advice and in‑court representation to the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS), a division of the Social Services Agency, in juvenile dependency matters. The Child and Family Protection Team plays a vital role in protecting the welfare of children in Santa Clara County. Team members appear regularly in juvenile court to handle uncontested hearings, bench trials, and appellate litigation. In addition to courtroom responsibilities, the attorney will counsel DFCS on a broad range of child welfare issues, including emergency response and dependency investigations, compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act, Child Abuse Central Index grievance procedures, and questions of juvenile case record confidentiality. This team also involves advising DFCS staff on legal issues related to paternity, court report writing, and educational rights, and includes providing ongoing training to ensure legal compliance and best practices in service delivery. The ideal candidate will have courtroom experience and a strong background in juvenile dependency law, litigation, and appellate matters. Experience advising child welfare agencies, conducting investigations, or handling administrative grievance hearings is highly desirable. Typical Tasks
Represents and advises one or more County department(s), board(s), committee(s), or County officer(s) and employees on legal issues regarding their powers, functions, jurisdiction, procedures, obligations and operations; Performs legal research on a variety of legal issues pertaining to the interests of the County; Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in preparing contracts, pleadings, ordinances, resolutions, memoranda and opinions; Attends meetings of boards, commissions or other committees to give legal advice; Litigates in both Federal and State Courts; Assists departments and other contacts in preparing documents, such as labor contracts and agreements; May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required; Performs other related duties as required. Employment Standards
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge and abilities consistent with the highest standard of the legal profession and with the level of difficulty and expertise required for the intended appointment. Membership in the California State Bar is required prior to appointment. Active membership in good standing of the California State Bar must be maintained throughout employment. AND Five (5) years of full‑time practice experience as an attorney, judicial law clerk, or legal advisor. Knowledge of
Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, codes and regulations applicable to the assigned responsibility; Trial and hearing practices, procedures and rules of evidence; Legal research methods, practices and techniques; General office practices and procedures, such as record keeping practices. Ability to
Perform legal research; Analyze and apply legal principles and facts to legal issues; Analyze situations accurately and recommend an effective course of action; Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions on legal cases and in dealing with people; Monitor current and proposed legislation relating to assigned responsibility; Write comments or arguments appropriately within a political and sensitive environment; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues in the performance of required duties. Benefits
The County offers comprehensive first‑class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co‑pays, no co‑insurance, and no prescription drug co‑pays. Learn more. The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Retirement Benefits The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector’s 401(k) plan) and the . In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family’s long‑term financial well‑being. Health Flexible Spending Account The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax‑free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax‑free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA. Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) The enables employees to utilize tax‑free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost‑effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer‑funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000. Life and AD&D The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, . These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The County prioritizes employee mental health and well‑being and offers a top‑tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support. Employee Wellness The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all‑in‑one platform designed to elevate your well‑being journey. Education Reimbursement A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development. NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts. 01 Application Questions
01 Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question? Yes No 02 Are you a member of the California State Bar? Yes No 03 If yes, please list your California Bar number and the date of your admission to the California State Bar. 04 Are you a member of the Bar in any other jurisdiction in the United States? Yes No 05 If yes, please provide the name of the entity, your Bar or other identifying number, date of admission, and current status. 06 Have you ever been the subject of an administrative, disciplinary or any action by the California State Bar or other bar jurisdiction in the United States? 07 If yes, please provide details including the nature of the action, date(s), and result(s) of any finding(s) and any sanction(s). 08 Please detail your interest in both public service and juvenile dependency law with an emphasis towards demonstrating your commitment to each of these areas. 09 Do you have any training and experience in juvenile dependency law? 10 Describe your training and experience in juvenile dependency law, including a specific example of your proficiency in this area of the law. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer: a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed 11 Do you have any juvenile court experience including trials, mediations, or other litigation matters? Yes No 12 Describe a specific example of your child dependency litigation experience. Juvenile court experience including trials, mediations, or other litigation matters Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer: a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed 13 Do you have any juvenile court experience writing points and authorities, appellate briefs, or other documents concerning juvenile dependency matters? Yes No 14 Describe your experience writing points and authorities, appellate briefs, or other documents concerning juvenile dependency matters. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer: a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed 15 Please attach a resume listing your educational and professional background, including law school attended, any clerkships or fellowships, and prior legal experience. I understand I need to attach a resume. Yes No 16 I certify that I have attached a writing sample for which I was the primary author, as an example of my writing skills. Government Jobs
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